Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †
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Posted in Uncategorized
The ultimate love.
Betsy, I cannot TELL you how many wonderful memes and pictures I have saved thanks to you.
And this one goes into the collection.
I think you are precious and would be a joy to have as a neighbor.
Oh Greg…
I came back to see if I needed to answer anyone who might have sent a comment my way. I am blown away, my friend. I can’t tell you much I appreciate your words. I am so glad if anything I stol…er…posted made an impression because I will only post those memes I find which make an impression on me. It is my great pleasure to keep on finding share worthy ones, I cant tell you how much.And I thank you so very much for thinking I’d be a good neighbour💕 There goes my heart…..Bless you, dear sir. Truly 😌😘
PS…left you a piece of chocky cake yesterday, then had to disappear. Hope you saw it. Hope you ate it!! 😁😉
Oooooooh yeah, I saw it!
Thanks!
And outta the GOODNESS of my heart I showed it to my wife…….and lost the battle, the war, and the cake!!!
I shoulda saw THAT coming!
Haha!!! As long as it didn’t go to waste 💕 Hope you didn’t lick it first 😂
❤️
Back atcha 🤗
Dearest Bets,
I really do love you!
That is all!
As I say to my own children, and grandchildren everyday, “ Now, go be great.”
My dear Treehouse friend, I don’t know how you do it, but you are continually great!
Blessings!
This is our customary Treehouse Church benediction. We now celebrate the blessing of our past week and we express our love and trust in our Dear Lord And Savior, Jesus. Be well Treeper friends and have a blessed coming week. We are so fortunate to have this space and this on-line community. . .
Wonderful singing…it’s all acapella, yes?
🙂
Good morning Garrison!
Afternoon, Gramps 🙂
God morning, dear Garrison 💕 From a little acorn this mighty Tree grew. Miraculously it keeps adding new branches for those who find their way here to join us in ours. We are certainly more than the two or three the Lord promises to be amongst when we gather in His Name as we do every day with our Treehouse family.
And now forces of evil and disquiet are trying to put an end to our gathering place as Sundance made very clear in last week’s Site Notes. He is our David meeting the tech Goliath so that this will not happen. Love lives here…the love for our Father and the love we have for one another. The dark cannot understand it.
So let your lights shine, dear friends…bright and glorious and blinding, as His Light which will never be extinguished covers everyone of you. Raise your voices for His Glory so that even our enemies will be deafened and defeated by them. Blessings abounding I pray for all 🙏🏻🕊💕
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that hath life, and fowl that may fly the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Genesis 1:20
Something gentle and filled with peace for our Sunday…
Good morning dear Bet! Praising the Lord this morning! ❤️😍
God morning, my brother 😘🤗 There is much to praise Him about 🙏🏻
Wow, Bets
You really are a spring chicken today – humming along without even a finch! I’ve been paying rapt attention because you are a good egg (the best) and I give a hoot!
God Sunday, dear Corny. Very clever, dahlink (as Greta Garbo might have said 😉😁).
I have been storing up my feathered friends for weeks now, and I was going to post Respighi’s wonderful work “The Birds”. It’s so delightful and joyous.
Then in the middle of the night I remembered Vaughan Williams gorgeous, evocative composition and switched gears.
Oh….go on, Bet…here is what was planned. It’s about 20 minutes. Enjoy!! 💕
Always go for it, sis! Twenty minutes well spent! I sat outside looking at the mountains (which still have snow caps) and……throwing the ever present tennis ball to Kari & Kelli. My relaxation.
I have been nominated (not sure by whom) to look in on a neighbor who needs attention. It is an opportunity and a challenge. I’ll let you know which wins! Ha ha
Bless you for that, girl. We are flanked on either side with wonderful neighbours who bring us baked treats now and again. It’s sobering I can tell you to understand we are the “elderly” neighbours now. Well, on the outside really. On the in? Not so much 😂👍🏻
What? Who?? Who’s Kari?
I hope your neighbor is OK.
B e a u t I f u l💞
Hi Patience! ❤️
Happy Sunday, Pa❤️
God afternoon, sweet Patience and Ma 💕🕊💕 Perfect I thought for our Sunday here.
Afternoon, dear Patience . . . 🙂
And a pleasant God’s afternoon to you, dear Bet. Everybody around here is excited about the eclipse. There are reportedly 600k people coming to Fredericksburg tomorrow. My neighbor just left in his brand new, deluxe camper van. I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for event. Mehh.
No enthusiasm from me either, my friend. For a start I have an early appointment with my marvelous identified for prep work for a crown.. He’ll be done in time for me to scamper back home.
There is nothing which could compel me to join crowds of people.
Except for One. 🙏🏻
600,000?!??!??!? Absolutely not!!!
AMEN!!!
We are planning our day in order to AVOID being out during the eclipse!
The media just HAS to find new ways to keep themselves relevant!
Therefore, the videos of weathermen pretending to lean into storms and 5 billion articles about the eclipse exist.
People are spending millions of dollars on this event, flying in from all over the world.
According to the weather in my location, they may be enjoying a thunderstorm as well as a lot of clouds.
But, I guess they’ll still have a story to tell. And a memory. And if that floats their boat, fine. But we’re staying home.
Good luck with the crown, by the way. Make sure you scurry home quickly!
😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 !!!
Scare tactics, top, TR. Warnings everywhere to stock up…what on earth???
Anyway it will be too peopley out there so here we will stay.
Thank you for your good wishes. Something I’d rather not be doing but I fell lucky with my dentist and his wonderful staff. There rearranged their whole schedule for this appointment. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that!
Blessings to you, my Texas brother 🤗
Sorry didn’t mean to flag.. fat finger scrolling on the phone screen and it “caught”. Couldn’t undo.
Hehe…takes twenty hits…so says Sundance 👍🏻
morning Garrison thank you for the music ….love Shenandoah so haunting. This is soul
food wonderfully needed on earth now. Be well friend we are all needed.
🙂
Thank you, Garrison for these magnificent selections. Mesmerizing really. A Capella is just so pure.
🙂
“Shenandoah” is one of my personal favorites. Hugs brother G. You always pick the nicest selections.
Thanks for your mostkind words, dear ‘Woo. You are good friend. 🙂
Paul Harvey – 90 days after the #SolarEclipse of 1811
“everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger“
Voces8 John Hartford
MJ
I never, ever… not once… thought he hurt his kids or other peoples’ kids. I thought, he himself… as well as his siblings… were deeply abused though.
If I had disposable income… I certainly would have given my daughter the biggest play fort ever in my yard… and maybe a carousel too… and would throw the biggest most righteous parties for all the kids to enjoy. I would have installed a pond, stocked with good fish, and had our own camp ground. So many little dreams.
We as parents often try to give our children that which we never had as we try to live vicariously through them and recapture joy in the giving and watching them play.
In this world… where Up is Down and Down is Up… I believe little of what’s “presented” to me now.
It used to be all was truth until proven otherwise… even that has changed… and maybe it should change. All is a lie until proven Truth.
Embrace Holy Scripture and pray for Divine Discernment. We are in for the ride of our lives.
We aren’t having the issues you speak of in Latin American culture or countries. FYI
Bobo,
Which issues are you referring to that I am alluding to? Do you mind expounding a little?
God morning JWoo! And a blessed Sonday to you and Savannah!
Off to church early this morning as I am the greeter/safety.
Good Sunday, Pa❣️
-💖
Howdy, M,
Do you know that you hold a special place in my heart as a Greeter and Security for your church? Many moons ago… I was the Head Greeter at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA under Robert H. and Robert A. Schuller – obviously before the scandal and bankruptcy of the church.
I was in charge of 34 greeters. One time a woman who was in it more for self than for others asked me if she could wear gloves to shake hands. I asked her to think carefully about what she was asking because people need to “feel the human touch” and if greeting was something she really was called to do, if she was afraid of germs.
There was a man there, who I am sure was dying of AIDS. I hugged him every single Sonday. He was a bright spot to me and I will always remember how much I loved him and his joy when he smiled at me.
I left there, because I was concerned about the unequal balance of “The Power of Positive Thinking” and the failure to teach on consequences of actions. Norman Vincent Peale was one of my favorites.
I had to work security during a terrible funeral for a young abducted, murdered girl. Samantha Runnion. I blocked the Mayor of Stanton from coming in – because we were at capacity with thousands upon thousands of people attending (way over capacity) and he was trying to muscle his way through. (I had my orders, and he was ultimately able to come in with the approval of the Fire Chief of Santa Ana.)
Working along with the ushers for security of a church that size in a town that could be crazy as Southern California was always interesting. I loved it. Practicing leadership and hospitality, which were my Spiritual gifts at the time. (They have changed now… as life often does change one’s gifting.)
Bless you in your anointing for being the gatekeeper of your church and the first eyes and hands that someone sees when they enter. Bless all who enter your threshold and may they find The Holy Spirit there alive and thriving. In Jesus’s Holy and Saving Name, AMEN
I am with you, Woo.
May Michael Jackson
be living amongst the angles
… in God’s Glory.
Howdy P and Ma. You are bright flowers to my Sonday. I am on a desktop, so these will have to do!
This is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – taken by someone else that I found on the internet. I have ones hidden on a removable drive somewhere. These bloom the same time of the year as my daughter’s birthday and I have pictures of her being a little bitty thing nestled amongst the flowers.
Someday, I want to take her back there as an adult, so she can see where she was born. I love the spring and the flowers. Her favorite is a hyacinth.
Good mornin’ Woo
Hyacinths are the best – there is something about the scent of purple flowers: lilacs, wisteria, chinaberry, hyacinth.
There really is, Corny. I miss my fragrant flowers. They make the best perfumes.
Have a blessed afternoon, dear ‘Woo.
love you Woo you carry the light of love.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, lightworker1. Love, hugs, and blessings to you. You edifier and encourager, you. I see you. 🙂
Okay, Woo…
As Promised!!
My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weatheth steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.
Corrie ten Boom
Oh Bets
For some reason the analogies to woven tapestries always resonate. 🫂
And with me, Corny. Such a simple poem from a woman who endured hell and came from it with her faith not only intact but stronger. Knowing this makes her poem that much dearer to me.
Smoke rings?
Caturday
Cat & Dog
the lion and the lamb comes to mind, thank you Fiesty you are awesome
What a duo! 😻🐶
Miscalculated
Here is a sad song with James Blunt- You’re Beautiful.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face….
he checked out early, didn’t he?
Nope hoax
thx – was thinking of this guy
Elliott Smith
https://jamesblunt.com
After staring at beautiful women, I, too, need a cold shower, but his jump into the artic sea is over the top.
‘Scottish’ First Minister cracks down on democracy
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/04/02/scottish-leader-claims-criticism-of-hate-speech-law-only-from-right-wing-despite-opposition-from-liberals-j-k-rowling-and-joe-rogan/
And what a vocal Scot thinks about this!
at first glance I read that as “Elvis is now here in Scotland”
LOL!
nimrodman: No. He actually said that Evel Knievel is now in Scotland. I’m quite certain.
Encore LOL!
The world is now moving toward the point where recognizing reality and speaking it out loud is a crime. People are entitled to whatever fantasy they wish to live, they are NOT entitled to force me to participate in THEIR fantasy.
This brother explains it well.
“Why Did the Jewish People Reject Jesus as Messiah?”
Why the Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by the rulers of the Jews?
There seems to be, for some reason, this universal assumption, that they simply misunderstood the meaning of Christ’s coming: “because they only looked for His coming in power and great glory;” but what is most clear from the New Testament record, and for the entire history recorded in the Old Testament; is that they were stubborn and rebellious, and were always walking contrary to God, and wishing to be like all the rest of the nations: “children in whom was no faith;” and whose eyes were closed, and ears shut, and hearts hardened from any willingness to understand; all because it demanded repentance and conversion and actually being the people of God from the heart!
THAT IS THE WHOLE REASON WHY THE DISOBEDIENT JEWS REJECT JESUS: and that is why they cannot believe, because God has shut them out and hardened their hearts, until the completion of the age; when He will make Himself known to His brethren once and for all at His coming.
Because they were, and still are to this day, unwilling that this Man should rule over them.
Your reasoning is more consistent with the more literal reading of the history of Israel as written in the Bible, using a strong hermeneutic.
My first thought when watching the video was “Wait a minute, Israel rejected God Himself many times right after the Exodus from Egypt, in favor of the false idols / gods that the gentiles worshipped in the “Promised Land” that Israel had been ordered by God to clear completely by killing ALL inhabitants before settling.
Example:
Deut 7:1-3
1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
But nope. They didn’t want to do that and instead “hooked up” with the gentile idol-worshipping women & men and directly violated the Lord’s orders. They did that repeatedly over the next 1400+ years despite being given multiple opportunities to repent as a nation and to stop worshipping Moloch and many other false gods.
“There are many reasons . . . but I’m going to give you four.”
Of course much more could be said.
But his presentation didn’t set out to be comprehensive or panoramic.
Just “four.”
👍
Catching a wave with some flippered friends
dophins surfing, worth a click
07 April 2020 John Prine, American country folk singer-songwriter (“Hello In There”; “Angel From Montgomery”; “Paradise”), dies of Covid-19 complications at 73
176+ works listed with ASCAP/BMI
When I Get To Heaven
Angel From Montgomery
In Spite Of Ourselves
07 April 2000 Heinz [Burt], British rock bassist (The Tornados – “Telstar”), dies from complications of a stroke at 57
Heinz Burt – The End of The World [1964]
07 April 1994 Lee Brilleaux, British R&B singer, harmonica player, and guitarist (Dr. Feelgood), dies of lymphoma at 41
DR. FEELGOOD The South Bank Show 1981
07 April 1994 Ken Carson, American western singer (Garry Moore Show), dies at 79
She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain -Ken Carson and the Choraliers
07 April
P. T. Barnum
(1810-1891)
American circus promoter and showman (Barnum & Bailey), dies at 80
Biography: Known as ‘The Greatest Showman,’ Barnum is best remembered for founding the traveling Barnum & Bailey Circus which ran from 1871 until 2017, and for promoting various hoaxes on his audiences. He is credited with the saying “there’s a sucker born every minute,” though it cannot be proven he coined this.
Barnum ran the Barnum’s American Museum after purchasing it in 1841. Here he produced several elaborate hoaxes, including the Fiji mermaid hoax, and employed the famous dwarf General Tom Thumb. When he started the Barnum & Bailey Circus with James Bailey he became known as the “Shakespeare of Advertising” for his innovative ways getting patrons to see his exhibits, though he was often accused of false advertising.
In the latter part of his career he also served as a politician, serving in the Connecticut legislature in the 1860s and as the mayor of Bridgeport from 1875 to 1876. In 2017 Australian actor Hugh Jackman played Barnum in the film The Greatest Showman. The soundtrack to the film was the best-selling album of 2018 in the United States.
07 April
Henry Ford
(1863-1947)
American industrialist and auto maker (Ford Model T), dies at 83
Biography: Henry Ford introduced the Model T Ford automobile in October 1908, the world’s first mass-produced car. In producing an automobile for the middle classes instead of just for the wealthy, Henry Ford help change American society forever.
Prior to this Ford had spent many years perfecting different engines and models, including leaving an original company bearing his name that later became the Cadillac Automotive Company.
The Model T went on to sell over 15 million units. Ford was able to achieve this by developing his car assembly line through mass production, the first significant industrialist to do so.
Henry Ford is also remembered for establishing a minimum wage of $5 a day in 1914, raising the daily rate from $2.34 for most workers. It was a sensational move at the time aimed at acquiring and retaining the best workforce.
In later life Henry Ford rested on his laurels and when he didn’t adapt the Model T to customers wants he was overtaken by competitors before releasing the updated Model A in 1927.
A man of often conflicting character, Ford is also remembered for his pacifism during World War I and his promotion of antisemitic views.
07 April
George Nissen
(1914-2010)
American inventor (created the trampoline), dies at 96
Biography: George Nissen was an American gymnast, inventor, and businessman who is best known for inventing the trampoline. His invention has since become a popular piece of equipment in athletic training, recreation, and competitive sports around the world.
Nissen became involved in gymnastics in high school and continued practicing the sport at the University of Iowa, where he won the NCAA gymnastics championship in 1935 and 1936. It was this background which provided him for the background and interest for his work with trampolines.
The idea for the trampoline came to Nissen in the early 1930s after watching trapeze artists perform tricks and drop into a safety net at the end of their acts. He envisioned a device that could use the principle of the bouncing net to help train tumblers and gymnasts. Along with his coach, Larry Griswold, he created the first prototype of the trampoline in 1936. They named it after “el trampolín,” the Spanish word for diving board.
Nissen’s invention proved versatile and gained popularity beyond training for acrobatics and gymnastics. During World War II, for instance, the U.S. Navy used trampolines for pilot and navigator training, to give trainees a sense of orientation in the air. Later, the space program also used trampolines to help astronauts develop and maintain their spatial awareness.
Nissen continued to promote his invention throughout his life, showcasing the trampoline at performances and competitions. He also founded a company, the Nissen Corporation, which manufactured and sold trampolines.
He always wanted trampolining to be an Olympic sport and was reportedly delighted when it was included in the Olympic Games as a competitive sport starting in the year 2000. He attended both the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he was allowed to test the trampoline before the event.
George Nissen’s contributions to sports and recreation were widely recognized. He held several patents and was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
If you’ve never seen the movie “The Greatest Showman” with Hugh Jackman as PT Barnum… I highly highly recommend it. It quickly became our favorite musical of all time even surpassing (gulp) the Sound of Music (which has huge sentimental meaning for my with my parents).
It took seven years to make the film and they did very little pre-emptive advertising.
I also recommend watching the Special Features on the disc… it is fascinating. They had a professional artist paint in oil each scene, as they sought funding to produce the film. Plus the composers pair who wrote the score… just wow! It is really inspirational.
I’m not going to say it’s perfect in its biography, but it is a work of art.
I would bet you’ll leave singing “A million dreams are keeping me awake” for a very long time.
Just gorgeous.
Someone @ karaoke sings that tune with her daughter (~12 ish) mom is very accomplished & won the fair competition one year, daughter has gotten much better at the song as she gets older (& has good voice for singing already) just needs more confidence singing in front of a crowd.
Will have to add movie to my list of things to watch out for.
It’s a MUST WATCH. My old boss watched it and RAVED about it. Not many things “inspired” him – he was a bit of a slug, but he came into work entirely smitten over it. It’s very inspirational and speaks to the only limits we have as humans is that of our imaginations.
The ENTIRE soundtrack is AMAZING.
The end of an era occurred when the B&B circus was shut down permanently. It also spelled the end for the fleet of circus trains that had carried the entire show between cities across the nation.
Being a railroad fan of sorts, I read this article years ago but thought it might be of interest to some here in the Treehouse.
https://therailroadpress.com/the-last-ringling-brothers-and-barnum-bailey-circus-train/
Thank you. I enjoyed the article and all the pictures on it of the train.
You are very welcome!
That is a great (and sad) article. I shared this with Savannah this evening after watching “The Greatest Showman”. Gunther Gebel Williams was legendary.
Ohhhhhhhh noooo…. no one slaps my kid, but me. She is, of course, of age and size to slap me back… so there’s that.
That father looks like a good friend of ours. Yeah, that would not go over well – in church or anywhere. 🙂
Time for this priest to retire! I would not have acted peacefully if that was my baby. Family showed great restraint but maybe too shocked to respond.
WHY ARE WE NOT TOLD PLAINLY?
“He charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.” Mark ix. 9
Say nothing until the Son of man is risen in you – until the life of the risen Christ so dominates you that you understand what the historic Christ taught. When you get to the right state on the inside, the word which Jesus has spoken is so plain that you are amazed you did not see it before. You could not understand it before, you were not in the place in disposition where it could be borne.
Our Lord does not hide these things; they are unbearable until we get into a fit condition of spiritual life. “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” There must be communion with His risen life before a particular word can be borne by us. Do we know anything about the impartation of the risen life of Jesus? The evidence that we do is that His word is becoming interpretable to us. God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His Spirit. An obstinate outlook will effectually hinder God from revealing anything to us. If we have made up our minds about a doctrine, the light of God will come no more to us on that line, we cannot get it. This obtuse stage will end immediately His resurrection life has its way with us.
“Tell no man…” – so many do tell what they saw on the mount of transfiguration. They have had the vision and they testify to it, but the life does not tally with it, the Son of man is not yet risen in them. I wonder when He is going to be formed in you and in me?
Oswald Chambers
April 7th Devotional
Thank you. Very important lesson: Wait upon the Lord!
There’s a story in David; the day that his son Absalom was killed; a young man wanted to run to tell the king, but he had not been an actual eye witness, and therefore, “had no tidings.” as he begged Joab to let him run, the General answered him; Why will you run? You have no tidings! But he persisted, But let me run anyway! So Joab gave in, and let the young man run; and he outran the real witness and messenger; but of course, when he came to David, he had nothing to say, BECAUSE HE DIDN’T KNOW!
And that is, sadly, and to great harm being done, MANY “went but not sent.”
When the Lord has really called someone, He knows well enough how to prepare that one, and just how long it will take. And since it is actually for His purposes; then how can anyone presume to go on their own whims; and not wait for the Lord Himself to send? When the Lord is really the one doing it, then there will be no misunderstanding or mistakes, about whether it was done out of self will and self effort; for the power of the Spirit confirming the word and the work, will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; it will foremost glorify Jesus, and NEVER the vessel. And you can bet on it, that everyone who wants to thrust themselves out into ministry in their own thinking; is doing it because he wants the worship and recognition that only belongs to Jesus. And this is the real work of grace that is by far the greatest and most recognizable in every true servant of God; is that they have suffered in the flesh, they have endured long and painful humiliation and death to self; until the clay is truly malleable, and the man can be trusted with the greatness of the holy charge; and not be puffed up with pride, or fall into sin when tempted.
Narrow is the way, and strait the gate that leads to life, and few there be that find it. And that’s why the broad way is so full! Because hardly anyone wants to really follow Jesus all the way that He has laid out for us.
👍
Howdy Ms. Stevie,
Have YOU seen the recent Julie Green Ministries podcast discussing the relevance of the solar eclipse and her guest’s prophetic word? Whoa… coupled with your post and as duchess01 would say “gives me goosepimples” (did I get that right, duch?)
Timing is everything and there were times when prophets moved forward with words and times when they were stilled and paused.
There are times when I get words that I simply must deliver no matter how much of an embarrassment I may become to others. Not my job to dissect it – just my job to utter it and I do my job and trust God for the rest.
Blessings to you, Sis, and gratitude for your faithfulness.
https://www.heartofdavidministries.org/index.php/articles/67-prophetic-words-accuracy-and-timing
Good afternoon sis! There are so many ‘prophesies’ out there that I am staying silent for the most part. We really have no idea what God is going to do something or when. If all the ‘prophesies’ were saying the exact same thing then I would be paying very close attention. But I think we all agree that God will do something and I don’t think there is a prophesy out there that covers the magnitude of Heaven’s power against the Prince of Darkness! I believe that even those of us that have diligently followed our Lord for many years, will be shocked.
So glad to see you posting today! Love you…🙏✝
“MY popsicle !”
But wow… the screaming on the end 😱 🙀 😱
April 7
MORNING
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. II Cor. 6:10
We … rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also. Rom. 5:2, 3
I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. II Cor. 7:4
Believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I Pet. 1:8
In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. II Cor. 8:2
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. Eph. 3:8, 9
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. II Cor. 9:8
EVENING
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness Psa. 41:3
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them. Isa. 63:9
He whom thou lovest is sick. John 11:3
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. II Cor. 12:9
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
We faint not; . . . though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. II Cor. 4:16
In him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. Isa. 40:29-31
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut. 33:27
Bagster
https://www.dailylightdevotional.org/04/0407.html
2 Peter 1:15 “Moreover I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.”
Florida man, of course
Goes for a walkabout out in the underbrush … after awhile, sees his van back across a pond … all hot and sweaty by then, so decides to swim to it instead of backtracking thru the brush
First Rule of the Wild: Don’t look like lunch
Florida Man Shares Survival Story After Alligator Rips Off Arm and He Gets Lost in Swamp for 3 Days
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3
Do you have a digital tablet? Beyond cell phones and desktop or laptop computers, these small PCs hold marvelous technical advancements with millions of pixels and capabilities in drawing, charting, managing, and more.
When Solomon was providing instruction to his son in Proverbs, tablets were generally made of clay, impressed with a stylus, recording anything from financial transactions to history lessons. The tablets of the heart mentioned in today’s verse also appear in Proverbs 7:3 and Jeremiah 17:1, linking back to Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
The Apostle Paul refers to the same thing in 2 Corinthians 3:3, “And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
Academic theologian Walter Elwell wrote, “The heart represents the total response of a person to life around him or her and to the religious and moral demands of God.”
God wants His Words to be the focus of your life and the determining factor in your actions.
Hymnist Fanny Crosby wrote, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.” A more recent worship chorus by Sally DeFord asks the Lord, “Write thy name upon my heart.” Jesus said it is “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
There is another record that comes from the heart of the Lord himself: The Lamb’s Book of Life. Another hymn asks the question, “Is your name written there on the pages white and fair? In the book of His Kingdom, is your name written there?” If you have not already, give the Lord your heart today.
Pray for America’s leaders to listen to God’s call on their lives and submit their hearts to Him.
https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/daily-prayer-briefing?utm_source=daily_briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_content=daily_briefing#devotional
love you nwtex I’ve seen this before never ever tired of watching our hero’s. Please keep
sharing these videos so we realize the wonder of being a human being. Peace
Mornin’ all!
WeeWeed
So many are malinformed, and actually believe these new armed agents are for pursuing the “super wealthy.” That is simply not the case – they are on a political witch hunt.
I just took a break from doing taxes (with a smile on my face and a song in my heart – Not!), and I routinely short myself rather than face the prospect of IRS wrath, where you are literally guilty until proven innocent. 😠
😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂
https://gab.com/WETMYPLANTS
Scroll down to
“I would be pissed” video
Verse of the Day for Sunday, April 7, 2024
✟
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 (KJV)
Thank You, Jesus, for blessings received and prayers answered !!!
PRAYING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD
Father God, I now follow your command to put on the full armor of God, because my battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the unseen world.
I first pray on the Belt of Truth that it may be buckled around my waist, may I be centered and encircled by your truth dear Lord. Hem me inside all that is true and right, and may I be protected and held up by the truth of your living word, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Breastplate of righteousness, please protect my vital organs and my inner man, cover my integrity, my spirit, and my soul. Guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life, please strengthen and guard the most vulnerable places in my life with that which is right, good, and noble that I might not receive a fatal blow from the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Gospel Shoes of Peace. I choose to stand in the shoes of your good news, and on the firm foundation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the solid eternal rock. All other ground is sinking sand, I pray that I will not slip or fall, but that my feet would be firmly fitted on your lordship, my Lord Jesus. I choose to stand on you, so that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, the eternal Rock of Ages. I receive your holy peace now my Lord, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray the Shield of Faith into my hand now. As I take up the shield of faith, I ask that you might extinguish every dart and arrow that is launched from the enemy to take me down spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and every attempt of the enemy to destroy my joy. I ask that my faith in you would make it flame out. Extinguish every flaming arrow that would come against me, my life, my family, my home, or my ministry. May my faith always be out in front of me like a shield. Give me the courage to “faith my fears” by choosing to walk by faith and not by sight, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Helmet of Salvation, that you might protect my mind from the thoughts that can lead me astray. I choose to take every thought captive, and arrest all intentioned ideas and motives that would harm others, or distract me from your holy will for me. I submit every captured thought to the Lordship of my Lord Jesus Christ, and ask that you would imprison those thoughts that are not of you my Lord. Transform my mind and renew my thinking that I may think God thoughts, and have a sober mind that is focused on your glory. Please protect me from being double minded that I may allow my mind, I reject to live an earthly life, because I choose to live a holy one, governed by you My Lord Jesus, the prince of peace, please have my mind to be saturated with the holy mind of Christ, in my Lord Jesus name.
Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the holy word of God, I pray this powerful offensive weapon into my hand, and ask that your holy word would be fitting for every encounter I face. As the enemy gets close to me, please give me the insight, wisdom, and skill to wield the word of God to drive away the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
May the enemy and his team flee from me, upon hearing the word of God spoken by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the sword of the spirit to cut through the wiles of the devil, so that I may discern the schemes of the enemy when he is near.
With all kinds of prayers, supplication, and intercession I pray to you my Lord God as the one who fights my battles. Now that I’m in your holy powerful armor, I walk away covered and ready to face my day as you go before me, and please protect me in the midst of the spiritual warfare in this unseen world, in my Lord Jesus name.
Thank you my Lord, for the spiritual weapons of armor and prayer that you have given me. It is written no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses me.
Thank you Father God, my Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, that I am more than a conqueror in my Lord Jesus. I pray all of this in the mighty name of my Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
🙏💕🤺
BE MY VOICE
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN
CHILD NOT CHOICE
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
GOD’S GREAT LOVE
When God gave His Only Begotten Son;
The ransom for souls – the victory won;
He demonstrated His great love to be;
For all His Beloved – for you and me!
By the Blood of the Lamb – we are redeemed;
There’s no other way it could be it seemed;
His sacrifice was pure – untainted by sin;
Let the suffering end – His new life begin!
There is no greater love one man can give;
Than to lay down His life and to forgive;
He forgave His oppressors – yes He did;
His victory over death – all amid!
What does God want in return for His love?
Is it peace among men or branch of olive?
For what do we strive to do day after day?
What is it we need – to live only His way?
We must love Him with our mind, heart, and soul;
Serve Him through others – His heart to console;
Serve no other gods – no idols have we;
The servant of all – He wants us to be!
We must keep our Sabbath to worship Him;
Not just for one day – but surely passim;
We must honor our earthly mother and dad;
The best of caretakers we ever had!
We must not kill our brother – any way;
In spirit or slander or libel – betray;
We must take not – what belongs not to us;
Or covet the goods of another thus!
We must not covet the wife of any man;
Or lust in our hearts because we can;
No envy or malice can we keep inside;
Nor from God should we ever seek to hide!
We must love our neighbor as Jesus loved;
Do all that we can – make him so beloved;
For it is in giving that we will receive;
And it is in dying – we come to believe!
Dying to self – to follow Jesus, Our Lord;
Is that which will bring us to full accord;
Keeping His Word – we must strive to do;
For God’s Great Love lives in me and you!
D01: 07/26/2013
TESTING
GOD’S GREAT LOVE
When God gave His Only Begotten Son;
The ransom for souls – the victory won;
He demonstrated His great love to be;
For all His Beloved – for you and me!
By the Blood of the Lamb – we are redeemed;
There’s no other way it could be it seemed;
His sacrifice was pure – untainted by sin;
Let the suffering end – His new life begin!
There is no greater love one man can give;
Than to lay down His life and to forgive;
He forgave His oppressors – yes He did;
His victory over death – all amid!
What does God want in return for His love?
Is it peace among men or branch of olive?
For what do we strive to do day after day?
What is it we need – to live only His way?
We must love Him with our mind, heart, and soul;
Serve Him through others – His heart to console;
Serve no other gods – no idols have we
The servant of all – He wants us to be!
We must keep our Sabbath to worship Him;
Not just for one day – but surely passim;
We must honor our earthly mother and dad;
The best of caretakers we ever had!
We must not kill our brother – any way;
In spirit or slander or libel – betray;
We must take not – what belongs not to us;
Or covet the goods of another thus!
We must not covet the wife of any man;
Or lust in our hearts because we can;
No envy or malice can we keep inside;
Nor from God should we ever seek to hide!
We must love our neighbor as Jesus loved;
Do all that we can – make him so beloved;
For it is in giving that we will receive;
And it is in dying – we come to believe!
Dying to self – to follow Jesus, Our Lord;
Is that which will bring us to full accord;
Keeping His Word – we must strive to do;
For God’s Great Love lives in me and you!
D01: 07/26/2013
SORRY…PLEASE DELETE DUPLICATE IF POSSIBLE – THANKS !!!
No need….
-Like the Rosary .
Good Sunday, Duchess❣️
🥰
Go for it again, Duchess! I’ll give you another thumbs up!
Dunno what happened to the format, Lady – have tried 3x to fix it to no avail !!!
AND – what I see before it posts is not the same as when it posts !!! * Sigh * 🙁
January 30, 2024
Psalm 91. The most powerful prayer from the Bible. God’s protection, healing
#psalm91 #psalms #prayer
Pray Everyday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18c1Vk0Svvg
What is a “good man”?
The evil man has no issue murdering his brother for gain. The “good man” cannot bring himself to judge the murderers. Do you not see that mercy and Grace are in judgement by Gods word while living? Salvation is in truth, in correction. To allow one to depart from Gods laws without judgment and ultimately correction is to have no love for those who are lost in sin. They shall leave this place in separation.
Sometimes the path of salvation is illuminated by the mercy of punishment.
God created the heaven and the earth….We hold these truths to be self evident to abolish and institute a
new government.
She brought forth her first new born son and laid him in a manger…Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity
Our Father Who Art in heaven…..States asked for Declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added
This is our Beloved Country guided by the hand of God. Stand and be counted.
PRESIDENT TRUMP DELIVERS REMARKS AT RALLY IN SCHNECKSVILLE, PA – 4/13/24
President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, will deliver remarks at a Rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Watch President Trump’s MAGA rally LIVE on RSBN starting at 3:00pm ET.
The normal excellent coverage by RSBNETWORK.COM
______________________
The President Trump Express Train continues to roll down the USA Primary Tracks with only the remaining stops along the way to his successful bid to become the 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate.
Thursday, April 18: Wyoming Republican convention
Sunday, April 21: Puerto Rico Republican primary
Tuesday, April 23: Pennsylvania primary
Tuesday, May 7: Indiana primary
Tuesday, May 14: Maryland, Nebraska, West Virginia primaries
Tuesday, May 21: Kentucky, Oregon primaries
Tuesday, June 4: Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota primaries
Monday, July 15: Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee
Union Pacific: The Great Big Rollin’ Railroad
Anyone ever close to North Platte, NE should stop by, if they have a hour or two, and see the humongous rail classification yard that UP operates there.
https://www.visitnorthplatte.com/listing/union-pacific-bailey-yard/147/
FIRST BAPTIST DALLAS CHURCH – SUNDAY SERVICE – 04/07/2024
“Criswell: His Life and Times” | LIVE Service from First Baptist Dallas
https://icampus.firstdallas.org/livestreams/icampus#0
Israel Update:
–Some major demonstrations for ״elections now״ and hostage deal. It’s more about the elections. Tens of thousands of people in about 6 cities. It is getting more and more violent and the police is being carful with them. A few mildly injured police people and demonstrators.
-Four IDF soldiers fell in Khan Yunis. RIP. A commando force who was hit in an ambush on a logistic route. Most or all the terrorists were killed.
-Suspense and speculations and preparations regarding the upcoming Iranian revenge for the assassination on their Generals and Officers in Syria. The air-force is on alert ready to go. A rumor that if the Iranians will cross the line Israel may use EMP Electro Magnetic pulse bombs on their nuclear reactors. Those bombs fry electronics in a zone. Note: I say that if it’s a possibility it should be done regardless of anything. Historically after Solemani was killed by the US their response was symbolic only. After we killed their Head of the Nuclear Program some years ago (using a remote controlled machine gun) they did not respond. So we shall see now.
-Four IDF soldiers killed in a fight in Khan Yunis. The day before. RIP
-The IDF moved out of Khan Yunis. Division 98 (The Commando Division) did an amazing job. Developed some new war technique that was never seen before of moving above and below ground concurrently. Apparently they achieved the dismantling of all the Hamas Battalions in the area. They cleared large amounts of tunnels and infrastructure. They have been fighting for six months and need a refresher. The IDF feels that now is the time to shift war technique and use the “raid strategy”. We will be located within less than an hour to any location and raid according to Intel. The IDF will not sit there and be a static target. The model of what was done at the Shifa Hospital was a huge success and they will shift to this model of raids, “hit and out”. Also civilians are let back in which signals the intent to get the refugees from Rafah to move back in. I watched a video of civilians returning.
-Bibi in a briefing is still saying that we are very close to a victory and just need to complete the job in Rafah. He says that Hamas demands to an unreasonable deal that is the end of the war and a guaranty for their continuation and survival in Gaza is the barrier and the world should pressure them and not us. He mentioned that the protests in Israel are what Hamas wants. He thanks the US for clarifying their position that they don’t ask for a ceasefire without a deal. He says that we are ready for Iran defensively and offensively.
I see I doubled on a paragraph. My apology.
💪 🇮🇱 ❤️ 🇮🇱 💪 David: Shavuah Tov. I’m so proud of Israel and the IDF!
And, I’m shocked (and relieved) to hear the News in your Update because the way it’s being reported where I read and listen is that IDF pulled out and Rafah is on indefinite hold (as if Israel LOST).
We are so fortunate to have you translating and reporting here at CTH.
Shalom and Blessings of Love and Peace and Success to you all.
Thank you. Have a good week. The liberal controlled media is colluding with the propaganda of Hamas that is generated through Al Jazeera and others.
Kahm Yunis is a mess. Their Battalions are destroyed and they promote victory.
This is like the Egyptian media in Six Days war who promoted how Israel is losing the war at a time that they were being wiped out in the Sini Desert.
Yes, IHYN,
That is exactly the news
I saw. I was hoping David would supply more encouraging news.
so, David, let me ask you a couple of questions–do you think the Chef asked the Israelis where they should send their food delivery, I think not. Do you think Hamas told them exactly where to go and at the same time perhaps leaking something nefarious to the IDF–just spit-balling here
You’re talking about the strike on the aide people?
Errors happen. The IDF also killed 30 IDF people in cross fire. People got punished and that’s the end of it.
“A rumor that if the Iranians will cross the line Israel may use EMP Electro Magnetic pulse bombs on their nuclear reactors. Those bombs fry electronics in a zone. Note: I say that if it’s a possibility it should be done regardless of anything. ”
David, you are aware that the “EMP Electro Magnetic pulse bombs” you are referring to are nuclear weapons.
“Bill Gertz, a veteran American defense specialist, is quoted as saying that US intelligence agencies have reported “growing concerns that Israel will conduct a strike on Iran using a high-altitude nuclear burst aimed at disrupting all electronics in the country.”
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4278765,00.html
Do you really believe that a nuclear strike against Iran will not have repercussions?
We have an expression in America, it is “When in a hole, stop digging.”
Let’s look at some facts. Due to the course Israel chose on how to react to the Oct. 7th attack, Israel has now been put on notice by the United Nations Court of Justice that there is probable cause (possibility) to believe that Israel has/is committing war crimes in Gaza.
Last week, the UN human rights council has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/05/un-human-rights-council-israel-gaza-biden-netanyahu
Now, on April 8 and 9, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), often referred to as the World Court, will hold hearings on a case brought by Nicaragua against Germany. Managua is accusing Berlin of facilitating genocide and breaches of international law by Israel against Palestinians and seeks to end military aid to the Jewish state.
https://www.rt.com/news/595553-nicaragua-germany-genocide-israel-icj/
The State of Israel was founded due to the efforts of the United Nations and is presently a member of the United Nations. Being a member of the United Nations, Israel has a duty to follow the U.N. Charter and the resolutions from that body. Israel can not continue to ignore these rulings and continue to believe it is outside the power of international law.
As a result of Israel’s actions, it’s former allies are starting to withdraw support. Not only nations, but Jews around the world.
https://mondoweiss.net/2024/03/not-in-my-name-how-a-new-generation-is-divesting-from-israeli-apartheid/
From your comments, it appears to me that you are following a single narrative. This is not a good practice. The Ukrainians are being fed a similar narrative from their government, victory is around the corner. As a result, their country is in ruins. Their navy and air force all but destroyed, their tanks and armored fighting vehicles are being turned into burning wrecks and a half a million men have been killed. The country’s citizens have fled the country by the millions.
One should always take into consideration other narratives and then weigh them against each other to find the truth. It appears from your postings that you are inside an echo chamber listening to only one narrative. I suggest that you open the door and listen to the other voices.
Take care and stay safe
1. No. I didn’t know that EMP is nuclear. From what I understand it doesn’t kill so how can it be in the same category? If the Iranian nuclear reactor can be taken out without killing innocents I am for it.
2. It seems odd to me that you’re spending so much time digging anti-Israel material as if you don’t have enough problems in the US. We already established that you think that Zionism is evil and we don’t have a right to exist which is modern antisemitism. So why should I discuss with you if your basic premise is that I have no right to exist in my homeland?
3. You want me to take the UN seriously? LOL.
4. Narrative? I have a narrative? We are straggling to survive in a very hostile neighborhood.
My narrative is my survival. You are following a narrative.
By the way. Out of curiosity what is the solution you’re proposing for me to solve the Israeli Arab conflict?
Are you suggesting that I will demolish my home and move to the US? How about my wife who is a few generations from Haifa? She should join me? Just curiosity . Or maybe underneath you think the Nazis were right and you have their solution? What are you proposing ?
And here is another question. The Jews came back to their ancestors homeland. There were always Jews in that area at different numbers. All the lands are full of archeological Hebrew material.
So why do you, who came from Europe and pretty much wiped out or submitted the Natives have more right to live in America than me in Israel?
By the way you’re wrong about Jews in the world. You will see. If Biden continue this way he will lose the elections because of the Jewish vote. I know of many who are changing sides and will vote for Trump because of the Biden’s policy. The anti – Israel wave in the West is a mirror of the withdraw of Biden from his support. If Trump comes to power it will all fade away, this anti Israel wave.
Tunnel demolition. South Gaza and Khan Yunis. One of those crossed the border a few hundred meters into Israel.
God morning to friends and Tree dwellers – often one and the same. (I love when we say GOD morning or Son-day, right Grandpa M and Betsy? It’s my way of giving up the expectation of “good” and deferring it to GOD, Who works all things for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His Purpose (Romans 8:28).
Had a rugged couple of days. Our Friday didn’t turn out all ponies, rainbows, and skittles and a major (major) fight ensued. I did not behave my best. I had just prayed a “cleaning” over our Spiritual home not one hour earlier and all hell subsequently broke loose when she came home. (Could I have seen that coming?!!!)
It’s been a tepid and painful couple of days. Separated and hurting. I questioned hard sending her away. One, because I felt I didn’t have any more in me – and two, because I thought that a change of environment might be good (shocking) for her to pry her away from some influences at school. (Those influences can come from anywhere though and we must be equipped and ready for them no matter what.)
Prayers, tears, prayers some more.
When I worked at CAT – I went through much training on human behavior. I was in field sales, so I needed to know how to work with diverse personalities and to be able to “read” people. (I’m still not perfect at this – and I try to seek advice when I don’t know what the heck I am doing.) I had to learn how to influence, motivate, get to the root of problems in emergency response situations, and I had to develop plans and execute them so that mutually-beneficial outcomes were achieved… while maintaining client satisfaction and making the company a profit. DISC personality training. Behavioral interviewing. Dale Carnegie Sales Advantage. “How To Win Friends And Influence People” and “How To Stop Worrying And Start Living”. CAT spent thousands of dollars and time on my development. Sometimes I think it was a better parent to me, than my own parents… but nothing compares to God’s Instructions and His Holy Word.
God Has been with me my entire life. I gave my life over to Him in baptism at 20 years of age. Though my sinful nature really didn’t come under submission until giving birth to my daughter at 32 years of age… and even then… my sinful nature gets the better of me.
I know I am not the only one who struggles. I also know that sometimes when we are interceding on behalf of others – an attack can come out of nowhere and knock us on our butts – usually using the person who we love the most as our Achilles heel.
After two days of utter hell, enlisting the advice of a matriarchal friend… plus prayers from two trusted other mothers with teen challenges of their own… and being willing to completely let my daughter go if that was The Lord’s Will… and knowing I am not in control of one solitary thing – except my REACTION to things – I used one of the tried-and-true methods I learned from CAT today. A weighted pros and cons list.
Big floor pad of paper. Two columns. Pros and Cons. Weighted = 0 to 10 whereas 0 means little impact and 10 means most important most impactful. Each pro and each con assigned a number of points. It is entirely possible to have more pros over cons, but because the weight of importance is quantified – you can determine which is the better way to go based upon weight of importance. Serious conversation between me and the almost grown teen.
I cannot express enough how much this visual tool helps in making major decisions and talking things through in times of adversity. Couple it to prayerfulness and full commitment to God and it can be sobering and healing.
When it’s time for her to fly the nest, I want it to be from a position of peace and security and not one from anger and uncertainty. I have a plan underway to try to give her a bridge into adulthood while supplying her the necessities to be self-sustaining. Of course, it is God Who supplies – I’m just His steward.
Why do I share this?
Because when faced with uncertainty, the devil comes in and whispers that we:
“are not good enough”
“are not doing it right”
“are going to fail”
“no one cares”
“are crazy for getting so animated”
Well, guess what? We would be crazier to not be animated and to not totally cluck like chickens warning over a fox in the hen house when the devil sweeps in to steal our kids, our lives, our marriages, our safety and security… our freedom.
I’m not saying my behavior was good – I am both sorry and not sorry. I may do it again, but I’m doing all I can. (Trust me – it was BAD and I am not proud.)
But I am not so prideful that I can’t admit mistakes and if our adversity can help others than I willingly share. Big decisions? Weighted pros and cons list – along with lots and lots of prayers… and don’t send that email admitting defeat too soon… I wrote it three times… and didn’t send it each time, because I couldn’t pull the (mechanism that shoots things – in case the meta spiders are after me – ha ha!)
I am praying mightily – incessantly – for others and for ourselves.
Thank you for being good friends (family). Stay strong where you are and stand proud In The Lord. He Will Carry us all through this.
To God Be The Glory and may He bless us, our families, our country, and our world and bind us together and we take shelter under His Wings (Psalm 91). He Is So Good and Merciful. He Will never leave us or forsake us.
… and I am NOT some great or perfect mother. I am not seeking accolades. I am admitting weakness and uncertainty during trying times. Hoping to share and help others in same situations.
I am weak and floundering and trying to figure things out – just like everybody else.
But, I’m not a quitter. I am not quitting on the most important things in my life. My daughter. Her education and life skills. Our accountability. Our word and honor. Our faith. Our country and, above all, God as our Truth.
GOD WINS IN ALL OF THIS. NO MATTER WHAT.
I love how the enemy loses. he is defeated, small, and easily crushed under our heel. Let’s squish him every chance we get.
👍 ❤️ 🙏🏻
Who among us is so much better that they cannot admire and pray for your self-actualization and perseverance, all to express your unconditional love for your daughter? Definitely not me!
Oh Woo 🫂
I have so much I could say to you, because I raised a daughter (we’ll call her K), who was the biggest challenge of my life. (I’ve been through a divorce and two cardiac arrests – they didn’t come close.)
She was an A student, popular, athletic etc – and then she attended high school. Met the scum of the earth and did a 180. I testified to the school board to have her school changed. It actually made things worse.
When she was 15 she ran away multiple times. We brought her back. At 16, she left for good. She told the police she wanted us arrested for child abuse if we tried to have her stay home. They said they would, as that was the law.
Peripheral family members allowed her to stay with them, quit school, be involved in drugs, and stay out till morning.
We were constantly harassed by the school board and threatened with imprisonment for “not allowing her to attend school!” Fortunately, that ended at 18.
Our family, as you can imagine, was and remains fractured.
K’s life has been a struggle for many years. She often times would exclude me without explanation for years at a time.
About 10 years ago she decided she wanted us in her life in a much closer way. I had prayed for decades for this outcome. Today, we have a good relationship. It is not perfect; I often temper my thoughts. But we communicate and see each other regularly. I wish we had a relationship more like that of my son and me. We are more like best friends and 100% truthful with one another. But, this outcome is more than I ever dreamed I would have.
From your writings, I feel you and Savannah have a strong basis for your relationship, and that she will grow in maturity and be your best friend in uears to come.
I will pray tonight unceasingly for you both. ❤️
Sorry for the length of this post.
Please don’t be sorry . You wasted no words. The heart sometimes needs space to express feelings and thoughts adequately….
You’re a gentleman, Baritone. Blessings on you, friend.
Maybe I have made myself too intimate here. I stumble through this new, confusing, dystopian normal that makes no sense to me at all.
We bring our prayers to each other to be lifted up collectively. There is no greater honor than to pray for our friends. Where two or more are gathered, there too shall He Be.
“…too intimate here”? You’re safe. I never repeat personal conversations. 😎
But yes, corporate prayer is powerful.⚡️⚡️
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Corny,
I’m so sorry for what you went through. I look at scenarios such as these and try to remember that each person is living out their own testimony. We know how they grew up, how we raised them, what we invested in them with time, sweat, and tears. We pray that we bring them up in the way they should go, that when they reach adulthood they would not depart from it (as The Word says), but each is to their own personal relationship with God and we can’t force it.
I am grateful your daughter ultimately returned to you and you can be civil with one another and build on your relationship. Healing is a blessed mercy. God has restored your years the locusts had eaten – who knows what it will look like in another few years as it deepens and matures. Does she have her own kids now? That’s a huge wake up call right there.
I know my daughter’s behavior is from the influences from school and trying to figure out independence. The deep-seeded desire to fit in and feel accepted. She made the mistake of not “checking that nonsense at the door” before she entered my home. My labor, God’s Provision, my rules. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
She lied to me twice. The second time, she recanted almost immediately – and then began the “who are you and what have you done with my daughter?” Then the screaming and it didn’t go over.
I had just watched the Julie Green Ministries video on the eclipse – did a little background research on it – and felt evil permeating – so I had prayed over and cast the devil out of my home. May sound crazy to some who don’t spend time in meditation and Spiritual Warfare – but it’s a real thing – and there is an absolute aura when evil enters and tries to take up residence. I don’t put up with it. People come into my home and notice a “difference” in that it is warm and clean – so when she came home from school one hour later – the atmosphere had changed.
The “friends” are melancholy, dark, like characters out of a dystopian Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome movie. Just surreal. What ensued was a bit of a holy war in my kitchen and I wasn’t backing down. She’s no longer attending prom after what I heard about the “friends” – she isn’t being surrounded by good people and I don’t trust the group (or the administration) to protect each other – quite the opposite.
There is pressure to have sex. They’re passing each other around like an appetizer tray and fortunately she’s not participating in that part – she’s just sticking herself in the middle of their drama… something she blurted out in angst during the fight.
Blatant disregard for adult authority. One girl tried the “trans thing” into a guy. Parents checked out.
Guys being verbally abusive towards my daughter in how they talk to her and telling her what to do in a manner that deserves a good old fashioned butt whooping, and that is completely inappropriate. She says they treat everyone that way, like it’s an excuse to be okay with it!
Kids not even living with their parents and are in teen challenge group homes.
The ONE GOOD GUY who she was going to attend junior prom with as platonic friends – he himself is not going – and he steers clear from the Mad Max crowd. I told her she should take a queue from him for her own peace of mind. They’ve made plans to sit together at lunch on Tuesday.
It’s almost subliminal with her. I can tell something’s wrong with her when things go wrong between us. The outward manifestation of the internal conflict. But this is all new to me, so I’m at a loss figuring it out on the fly. I’m a little clueless and it takes me a couple of days to get to the bottom of it all.
Now that things have cooled down. She’s relieved. She had pushed my boundaries hard and she found them impermeable. Fortunately, we love each other and any discomfort forces us to fight through it. Scares the crap out of me, though, because I am now wondering if this is going to be the encounter that leads to our separation and will it result in permanent discord… like my biological family.
Sundance mentions a lot about our imaginings verses the realities of how things are. I was ready to force her to leave to get her away from that environment. Would her seeing the reality of a life outside of these confines… and away from me… would it help her appreciate what she has, appreciate me, and force her to grow up?
On some days, we make great strides and we see fruit. Some days we are threatened and have to stand and fight for what we’ve got. It will not be the last time we are attacked. It was practice on how to fight and how to not give up. We are refined in fire – and it hurts.
I, too, am sorry for the length of my posts – I’m wordy. Somewhere, someone might be reading this, ready to give up ground. Don’t. Just don’t.
Prayers to God for our spoken and unspoken requests. Bless you, Corny. I pray you good rest, safety, and security.
Israel update:
Defense Minister Galant in the Southern Command: “The withdrawal of the forces from Khan Yunis was carried out after Hamas ceased to function as a military organization in the city, the forces left to prepare for the mission in Rafah”
🤔 😃 Really excellent to hear this quote! Thank you, David.
God Bless you and keep you safe.
❤️
Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday – April 7, 2024
National Shrine
It is our pleasure to welcome you virtually to Mass, live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. We’re glad you’re here to join us on this Divine Mercy Sunday. You can view the leaflet for Mass here: https://www.nationalshrine.org/wp-con…
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., is a Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, patroness of our nation. It is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization, and reconciliation. Mary’s Shrine invites people from across the country and beyond to share in Christ’s ever-living presence.
I love the Treepers. May our Heavenly Father pour His promised blessings to you all.
duchess01,
I’ve been intermittent on here, and you often don’t miss a beat, but did you see the Julie Green Ministries recording of the relevance of the upcoming solar eclipse? Woooo weeee…
It’s giving me the creeps around here – as it is very much being treated like a pagan holiday. We are keeping our butts home and will watch it from the safety and security of our patio. Kiddo has to work at 4 PM. Governor declared a State of Emergency – but our Governor (WEF darling) Eric Holcomb is his own State of Emergency! I’m almost hoping for cloud cover, because people are getting weird.
I thank God for Who He Is and who I am in Him. Blessings, girlie.
Yes, I did – AND – I posted it here – HOWEVER – I am not in the least spooked – BECAUSE –
GOD is large and in charge – SO – if something WEIRD happens – He did not do it – BUT –
He has the POWER to either thwart its effects or squash their attempt to instill FEAR !!!
After all – FAITH CANCELS OUT FEAR !!! 🥰
You are right dear friend, faith does cancel out all fear.
Common sense, though, might bring out some side-eye at the shenanigans.
Queue Betsy’s southern stare down. LOL
I’m excited to say that with my functional medicine practitioner’s regimen – I am down 17 lbs and my blood pressure systolic and diastolic are down 40 points since January 30th. Just started the Arterosil HP (expensive)… so interesting. So many weird things that I would never have found on my own.
Calroy Health Sciences – Arterosil HP and Vascanox HP
Awesome!
Thanks, Slowcobra – I am personally shocked – and delighted. I pray for those who need medical care that they can seek out their own functional health practitioner. It works and it’s the way medicine was intended to be. I’m so relieved.
😀 😀 😀
Wrecks them every time….
How many Treepers started off, as I did, as a cashier in a small family owned restaurant, where I had to learn to make change without ANY kind of fancy cash register, or even an old style adding machine? To this day, almost 50 years later, I can still automatically calculate change back without even thinking about it…
Is that Van Gogh? (do you see it?) and what is the orange fruit? at the bottom of the frame?
That’s what I saw!
I see Jesus!
Yeah!!!
Well THAT’S Amazing!
I instantly saw Jesus
EVENING PRAYERS